The Namoi River at Gunnedah peaked at 8.51m on Tuesday, with residents near the river choosing to watch and act or evacuate before too late.
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded the peak at around 3am and falling, also predicting Gunnedah would likely fall below the major flood level (7.9m) yesterday morning.
The Gunnedah Times spoke with people on Sunday evening who were likely to be affected by the flooding.
Many were willing to stay in their homes, the recent years remembered and a plan adapted for.
One of those residents was Chris Dowdle, who said previous floods had encroached onto his stairs but not into the house.
“It was six years ago we had about nine floods in a row,” he said.
“None of [the previous floods] came into the house so we’re not leaving.
“We’ve been through it enough. This is not going to be a problem.
“[People] were talking about 8.2m at one stage which will be around here and all get to the backyard, but it won’t go into the house. Just make a mess.”
For others, this is their first time experiencing the Gunnedah floods. Ben Glennister moved to the town from Curlewis about two years ago.
His home is on stilts and had already lifted everything off the ground and moved vehicles out of the flood zone on Sunday.
“I knew what we were getting into when I saw the [water] stains on the side … I think I can work with that,” he said.
What was more of a shock was the rats, likely scurrying to find dry grounds.
“I got a little Jack Russell and he caught one rat nearly the same size as him,” he said.
He said his former home town received minor floods in recent years. His family confirmed Curlewis’ last major flood was in 1984.
“We don’t really flood much in the town or anything.”
Those who decided to evacuate were instructed to Gunnedah PCYC or to family and friends.
Ben Glennister checking out the flooding near his Gunnedah home on Sunday.
Cruize Duff and Tommy Chappell adventured the water on an inflatable lounge on Sunday.
